« | Isaiah 13 | » |
1 This is the message that I was given about Babylon:
2 From high on a barren hill give a signal, shout the orders, and point the way to enter the gates of Babylon's proud rulers.
3 The LORD has commanded his very best warriors and his proud heroes to show how angry he is.
4 Listen to the noisy crowds on the mountains! Kingdoms and nations are joining forces. The LORD All-Powerful is bringing together an army for battle.
5 From a distant land the LORD is coming fierce and furious-- he brings his weapons to destroy the earth.
6 Cry and weep! The day is coming when the mighty LORD will bring destruction. *
7 All people will be terrified. Hands will grow limp; courage will melt away.
8 Everyone will tremble with pain like a woman giving birth; they will stare at each other with horror on their faces.
9 I, the LORD, will show no mercy or pity when that time comes. In my anger I will destroy the earth and every sinner who lives on it.
10 Light will disappear from the stars in the sky; the dawning sun will turn dark, and the moon will lose its glow.
11 I will punish this evil world and its people because of their sins. I will crush the horrible pride of those who are cruel.
12 Survivors will be harder to find than the purest gold.
13 I, the LORD All-Powerful, am terribly angry-- I will make the sky tremble and the earth shake loose.
14 Everyone will run to their homelands, just as hunted deer run, and sheep scatter when they have no shepherd.
15 Those who are captured will be killed by a sword.
16 They will see their children beaten against rocks, their homes robbed, and their wives abused.
17 The Medes can't be bought off with silver or gold, and I'm sending them to attack Babylonia.
18 Their arrows will slaughter the young men; no pity will be shown to babies and children.
19 The city of Babylon is glorious and powerful, the pride of the nation. But it will be like the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah after I, the Lord, destroyed them.
20 No one will live in Babylon. Even nomads won't camp nearby, and shepherds won't let their sheep rest there.
21 Only desert creatures, hoot owls, and ostriches will live in its ruins, and goats will leap about.
22 Hyenas and wolves will howl from Babylon's fortresses and beautiful palaces. Its time is almost up!
The Contemporary English Version (CEV)
The Contemporary English Version (CEV) is a modern Bible translation that aims to make the scriptures accessible and understandable to a broad audience, including children and those with limited English proficiency. Published by the American Bible Society in 1995, the CEV emphasizes clarity, readability, and ease of comprehension. Unlike more literal translations, the CEV uses a thought-for-thought translation philosophy, which focuses on conveying the original meaning of the text in a way that is clear and straightforward for contemporary readers.
One of the key features of the CEV is its use of everyday language and simple sentence structures. The translators avoided theological jargon and archaic terms, instead opting for language that is commonly used in daily conversation. This makes the CEV particularly well-suited for public reading, educational settings, and outreach programs where the audience might not be familiar with traditional biblical language. The translation strives to communicate the essence of the biblical message without the barriers that complex language can sometimes create.
The CEV also pays special attention to cultural sensitivity and inclusivity. The translators sought to avoid expressions and idioms that might be misunderstood or offensive in different cultural contexts. Additionally, the CEV includes gender-neutral language where appropriate, aiming to make the text more inclusive while still remaining faithful to the original manuscripts. This approach helps ensure that Bible teachings are accessible to a diverse global audience, promoting understanding and acceptance across different cultures and communities.
Despite its strengths, the CEV has faced some criticism from those who prefer more literal translations. Critics argue that the CEV emphasises on simplicity and readability which can sometimes result in a loss of nuance and depth found in the original languages. Some theologians and scholars believe that the thought-for-thought approach may oversimplify complex theological concepts. Nevertheless, the Contemporary English Version remains a valuable resource for many readers, offering a clear and approachable rendition of the Bible that is particularly effective for those new to the scriptures or those seeking a more accessible way to engage with the biblical text.